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New era of accountability
The ruling by the Hamm Higher Regional Court in the Lliuya v. RWE case has made legal history. For the first time, a German court has recognized that a company can be held liable under civil law for its contribution to the global climate crisis - even across national borders. Here you can read all the important legal points from the judgment of May 28, 2025.
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The most important aspects of the decision
On May 28, 2025, the Hamm Higher Regional Court (OLG) issued a historic ruling in Saúl Luciano Lliuya's climate lawsuit that goes far beyond the individual case.
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Groundbreaking climate ruling against RWE: Major emitters can be held liable for climate risks
Saúl Luciano Lliuya v. RWE: Judges at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm have ruled that German civil law can be used to hold major emitters liable for the effects of climate change — a decision that extends protection to those impacted worldwide.
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Online Event: A Legal Milestone in Climate Litigation: The Saúl vs. RWE Decision
After a decade of legal proceedings, a landmark decision has been made. On May 28, the Higher Regional Court of Hamm delivered its ruling in the case of Saúl vs. RWE— a decision that reshapes corporate accountability in the face of the climate crisis. Watch the recording of our online event which took place just hours after the court delivered its decision. Together with Saúl Luciano Lliuya, his lawyer Roda Verheyen and colleagues from Germanwatch we analyse the precedent setting judgement.
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German court on the brink of holding major emitters liable for climate damages
The Higher Regional Court of Hamm has concluded hearings in landmark climate case of the Peruvian farmer Saúl Luciano Lliuya’s case against German energy company RWE, with a decision expected on May 28th.
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Saúl Luciano Lliuya against RWE: Decisive hearing coming up
Next Monday and Wednesday (March 17 and 19), the Higher Regional Court of Hamm (Germany) will hear the highly anticipated climate case brought by Peruvian mountain guide Saúl Luciano Lliuya against the German energy company RWE.
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New study: Companies face financial risks from growing climate damage litigation
Regardless of the outcome of the Lliuya vs. RWE case, the use of courts to seek compensation for climate impacts will continue to grow, especially in the Global South, which is most affected by climate change. To date, 68 lawsuits have been filed against fossil fuel companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell and BP. Estimates of climate damages could reach trillions of dollars by 2049, posing significant risks to companies and investors.
read moreSaúl Luciano Lliuya vs. RWE: climate lawsuit to be heard in March
The long-awaited court hearing on the case of Saúl Luciano Lliuya from Peru against the German energy company RWE will take place on March 17 and 19 at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm (OLG Hamm).
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Big Oil in Court - The latest trends in climate litigation against fossil fuel companies
This report by Oil Change International and Zero Carbon Analytics shows, that the number of cases filed against fossil fuel companies each year has nearly tripled since the Paris Agreement was reached in 2015, highlighting a growing global movement to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
Melting glaciers in the Andes: The problem of water supply
It is not only the acute risk of flooding due to the advancing glacier melt that poses an enormous risk to the people of Huaraz, but also the water supply.
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"Now the sun burns the land and the rain comes irregularly!" - Interview with Inés Yanac from Wayintsik
The Wayintsik organisation is working with communities in the Cordillera Blanca region on adaptation and education to cope with the effects of climate change. The communities living there are particularly concerned about increasing extreme weather conditions and the threat of climate change. In this interview, you can learn more about the organisation's projects and background.
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8 Years climate case against RWE
Eight years ago, the Peruvian mountain guide and small farmer Saúl Luciano Lliuya filed his civil lawsuit against RWE at the regional court in Essen in Germany. What began back then has now become one of the world's most recognised precedents for the question of whether individual major emitters must pay for protection against climate risks.
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The long-awaited expert opinion is now available
More than a year after the court visit to the Andean city of Huaraz, the expert report on the flood risk and the impact on the property of the plaintiff Saúl Luciano Lliuya has finally been released. A court-appointed expert prepared the comprehensive document, spanning more than 200 pages, which forms the basis for the next steps in the climate lawsuit of the Peruvian mountain guide against the energy company RWE.
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Climate litigation as a significant risk for fossil fuel companies
New scientific study shows that climate lawsuits lead to a significant loss in value for companies with CO2-intensive business models. Researchers show: RWE share fell up to 6 percent due to Saúl Luciano Lliuya's lawsuit at Hamm Higher Regional Court.
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Saúl Luciano Lliuya against RWE: expert opinion expected in summer
One year after the court visit to Huaraz, the expert report will finally be available this summer. A hearing at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm is expected later this year.
read more7 years of legal action - support Saúl!
Support Saúl Luciano Lliuya and be part of the global neighbourhood!
read moreSaúl Luciano Lliuya at COP27 - Recording available
Saúl Luciano Lliuya participated in the UN climate conference COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. Find the events here.
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"The evidence recorded is overwhelming"
Interview with Dr Noah Walker-Crawford, external Germanwatch advisor on climate litigation,
who was present at the court's site visit in Huaraz.
